Who painted Shield of James I [bottom half]?

Shield of James I [bottom half] was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see Shield of James I [bottom half]?

Shield of James I [bottom half] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Shield of James I [bottom half]?

Shield of James I [bottom half] is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Shield of James I [bottom half]

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Shield of James I [bottom half] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a 1621 engraving by the Dutch printmaker Simon van de Passe, representing the lower portion of a heraldic shield associated with James I of England. Executed as a print taken from a silver medal, the image presents a stylized shield surrounded by ornamental motifs and inscriptions.

Subject & Meaning

The central shield is divided into four quarters, each bearing a distinct emblem—a lion, a cross, and two less readily identifiable symbols—typical of royal heraldry. Flanking the shield are two portrait heads, one bearded and the other crowned, suggesting a narrative link between the monarch and his lineage or supporters. The inscription "SHIELD OF JAMES I" identifies the royal patronage.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe rendered the design using fine, incised lines that convey depth through cross‑hatching and delicate shading, a common approach for translating three‑dimensional medals into two‑dimensional prints. The surrounding decorative frame of scrolls and foliage demonstrates the artist’s skill in balancing intricate detail with overall compositional harmony.

History & Provenance

The engraving originates from a silver medal commissioned to commemorate James I, likely produced for diplomatic or commemorative distribution. As a print, it served to disseminate the royal imagery more widely than the original metal object, reflecting early modern practices of reproducing official iconography.

Context

Created during the early Stuart period, the image aligns with contemporary efforts to solidify James I’s authority through visual symbols. Van de Passe, active in the courts of England and the Netherlands, frequently produced portraiture and heraldic works that reinforced monarchical legitimacy.

Legacy

The print exemplifies the role of engraving in the circulation of royal propaganda and the transmission of medallic art beyond its original metal form. It remains a valuable reference for scholars studying early 17th‑century heraldic representation and the technical exchange between medal making and printmaking.